Triston Harper, a 15-year-old from McIntosh, Alabama, performed Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel” during Sunday’s Idol episode.
Harper has made quite the impression since wowing the judges during his American Idol audition.
During his audition, Harper sang a cover of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up,” which earned him a “yes” from all three judges.
“I never thought I’d be able to tell my story to American Idol, ever. Makes me happy just thinking about it.”
Harper disclosed the hardships he faced alongside his mother, who accompanied him to his audition. They had experienced homelessness after fleeing an abusive relationship, eventually being rescued by a family member and brought back to Alabama. Harper revealed that he decided to pursue music because his mother “wanted us to be something.”
“I know it was not easy me watching my mom sit there and crying at night, and not knowing what to do. I had got to that point where I said ‘God, I need you to help me,’ and my papa, he drove all the way from Alabama to Arkansas non-stop to come get us.”
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After weeks of intense competition to secure his place on the show, including surviving the largest cut in Idol history, Triston Harper successfully earned a spot in the Top 14!
During last week’s episode on April 15, he took the stage after receiving the good news and delivered his rendition of Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t.”
Tonight on American Idol, the Top 14 performed songs by legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees under the guidance of guest mentor Gene Simmons.
The first to perform was Triston Harper, who sang “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley in hopes of securing his spot in the Top 12.
“I’m a really big fan of Elvis. He had the charm, he had the charisma, he had the voice, he had it all.”
Tonight was a big night for the artist who took the stage without a guitar for the first time.
“I want to break loose from the stage a little bit…I’m ditching the cowboy hat, and I’m ditching the guitar, and I’m gonna break out a bit of my moves for the world.”
Harper captivated the audience with his performance, earning high praise from the judges.
Luke Bryan called Harper’s cover “tremendous” and predicted that there is “no way America cannot fall in love with that performance.”
Watch Triston Harper’s performance of Elvis’s “Heartbreak Hotel” below!